Leaked Military Aid Request Raises Questions
A confidential military aid request from Ukraine to Germany has been leaked, exposing Kyiv’s significant demands for advanced military equipment. Among the key items requested are advanced air defense systems, armored vehicles, and electronic warfare technologies aimed at enhancing Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
Specifically, Ukraine is seeking four IRIS-T firing units along with 1,500 IRIS-T SLM missiles and 500 IRIS-T SLS missiles. In addition, the request details the need for 200,000 rounds of 40mm anti-drone ammunition and 1,000 mine-protected vehicles, alongside tracked vehicles and mine-clearing tanks.
Details of the Request
The list extends further, with Ukraine also asking for 20 to 30 WiSENT armored engineering vehicles and 200 all-terrain vehicles designated for special forces transport. To bolster its defenses against Russian drone incursions, Kyiv has included a plea for 1,000 GPS jammers and 200 mobile ground radars, reflecting the urgent need for enhanced electronic countermeasures.
Sources indicate that this comprehensive list, valued at several billion euros, has already been presented to the German government by Ukrainian military officials. This confirmation has been reported by military insiders and emphasized by the German news outlet Bild, as well as the German Aid to Ukraine (GAU) watchdog.
Germany’s Response and Funding Increase
Despite the leak, the German Federal Ministry of Defense has refrained from commenting on the request. A spokesperson conveyed to Bild that considerations regarding ‘military security’ and a new communication policy regarding support for Ukraine are the reasons behind their silence on specific matters.
In a move indicative of its continued support, Germany has raised its aid fund for Ukraine from 7.1 to 8.3 billion euros, reflecting a dedicated commitment to bolstering Ukraine’s defenses amidst ongoing regional tensions. According to the GAU, the leaked request suggests that Berlin has already fulfilled part of the IRIS-T missile system request after Diehl Defence was contracted to deliver units back in May.
Broader Military Support Initiatives
Beyond the specific items on Ukraine’s wishlist, Germany has indicated plans to acquire additional Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine, further demonstrating its intention to strengthen Ukrainian air defenses against potential threats.
Moreover, a memorandum of understanding has been signed between Germany and Ukraine to develop a long-range weapons system, aimed at enhancing Ukraine’s ability to strike deep into Russian territory, representing a significant escalation in their defense collaboration.
